Emile Heskey has said England's World Cup performances this summer are inspiring a new generation to consider football coaching as a career. The former international striker-turned-coach visited St George's Park to reflect on how an inspirational showing at a major tournament can encourage coaching as a viable pathway.
Research shows tournament's impact
New research from YouGov has revealed the wider impact of the tournament, with the feel-good factor motivating a new generation to get involved in the game. More than half of England fans (57%) say the tournament left them with a more positive perception of the England National Team, while almost three quarters (73%) say it made them feel proud of the side.
For younger fans, that inspiration is translating into a renewed interest in coaching. More than two in five 18-24s (43%) believe the tournament will increase interest in football coaching as a career, while more than one in five (22%) say watching the tournament has made them more likely to take up coaching themselves.
First steps already being taken
For some, the first steps are already being taken. One in eight 18-24s (12%) say the tournament has encouraged them to find out more about coaching qualifications, while 9% have looked into football coaching courses and a further 9% have researched the cost of becoming a coach.
The Chase football coaching programme is providing an avenue for more people to get into football coaching by offering fully funded access to introductory coaching qualifications and professional coaching bursaries for people from low-income backgrounds across the UK. Since 2024, Chase has funded over 7,000 coaching qualifications, of which more than 5,000 have been completed so far.
Heskey and FA back the initiative
England legend Emile Heskey said: "Watching England at a major tournament is always inspiring, and it's brilliant to see the research showing that same excitement can inspire a new generation to think about coaching as a career."
"The research findings that more than a fifth (22%) of 18-24s said watching this summer's tournament has made them more likely to take up coaching, highlights how that excitement extends beyond the pitch. It's fantastic that Chase is helping people turn that interest into their first steps in the game."
Dan Ashworth, Chief Football Officer at the Football Association, said: "A major tournament can have a lasting impact on the game when the excitement it creates reaches beyond the players and into communities. More qualified coaches means that more people are able to support players at every level of the game, and initiatives such as the Chase football coaching programme can play an important role in helping people take that next step".
Deborah Keay, Chief Marketing Officer at Chase, said: "Chase's latest research shows that the halo effect of a major tournament can translate into a genuine desire to get involved. The important thing is helping people to act on that interest, particularly when cost can be a barrier to getting started. Since launching in 2024, the Chase football coaching programme has funded over 7,000 coaching qualifications, helping more people build the skills and confidence to become coaches and role models in their communities".
For more information on the Chase football coaching programme, visit: Chase football coaching programme.
